NEWS
JULY 2017
CSLB #480916
simplify life. Call us. Paddle boarding, playing golf, dining out with friends. You come up here to relax. We’ll take care of the rest.
Simplifying Mountain Life Paint and Stain
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Driveway Sealing
530.582.0300
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Deck Restoration
info@elementsmtn.co
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Snow Removal
www.elementsmtn.co
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Tahoe Donner and the Sierra Nevada are home to an abundance of wildlife. P22
WILDFLOWER GUIDE wildflowers with our new guide.
FORESTRY DEPT HONORED Tahoe Donner was named a Firewise Community of the Year.
P16
Trout Creek remodel/expansion.
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06
03
06
10
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Let's Get Together Your source for TD events and specials
Fun on the Fourth A roundup of July Fourth events
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Tips from the Pros Monthly golf and tennis tips
Pine Needles The Great Pine Needle Debate
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19
TD Giving Fund Recent grads recognized by Giving Fund
Budget Timeline An at-a-glance view of the budget process
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28
Board Meeting Read a recap of the May 20 meeting
Soccer Golf Returns This fun, family event is on July 6
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Monthly Calendar Don’t miss our July events
P08
TROUT CREEK PROJECT
TAKE NOTE
President's Message Final address as Board President.
Learn more about our local
This fall, construction will begin on the
DEPARTMENTS
Where in the World is TD News? TD News travels the world
2017 Election Election results announced Photo Contest Grab your camera (or phone)!
Trout Creek News Renovation and expansion plans reviewed
P29 COVER PHOTO: ELAINE MCDONOUGH
tahoedonner.com |
1
VOL. 18, NO. 07
WELCOME
JULY 2017 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION STAFF Gretchen Sproehnle Ashley Quadros Derek Moore Kyle Kelly Drew Deurlington
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Jeff Bonzon, jbonzon@tahoedonner.com
Vice President
Ron Wulff, rwulff@tahoedonner.com
Treasurer
Steve Miller, smiller@tahoedonner.com
Secretary
Jeff Schwerdtfeger, jschwerdtfeger@tahoedonner.com
Director
Darius Brooks, dbrooks@tahoedonner.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Board of Directors
board@tahoedonner.com
Postmaster
By the time you are reading this, our 2017
Steve Miller has just completed his second
Send address changes to Tahoe Donner
board election will be over and there will be
consecutive term on the board, for a total of
News, 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA
two new members on your board of directors.
six years. As a result, he is ineligible to run
96161; 530-587-9400, Fax 530-587-9419
Jeff Schwerdtfeger, Darius Brooks, and I will
again for one year. Steve, too, has held all the
be your three returning members, and I will
board positions. While he has been involved
be beginning the last year of my three-year
in many aspects of Tahoe Donner’s growth,
Advertising Sales
term. We will have said goodbye to two long-
his personal interest in trails and Nordic
Creative Concepts Media + Marketing is
time board members, Ron Wulff and Steve
skiing led him to be particularly focused on
Miller, who have given significant amounts of
the development of the Alder Creek Adven-
time and energy to our organization, and have
ture Center project and the acquisition of land
Publishing Information
served us in exceptional ways. I would like to
supporting our Nordic, hiking, and biking
Tahoe Donner Association holds the exclusive
take a couple minutes of your time to recog-
trails, including the Euer Valley and Crab-
nize these two outstanding board members.
tree Canyon properties. All of us owe Steve
infringement of that service mark right and
Ron Wulff has been elected to the board
a “thank-you” the next time we are enjoying
is prohibited. The inclusion of advertising in
on five occasions, serving a total of 13 years,
this publication does not constitute an endorse-
beginning in 2001. He has held all the board
comdep@tahoedonner.com
the exclusive advertising representative; phone 530-582-4100.
service mark right to “Tahoe Donner.” Any unauthorized use of such will be regarded as an
ment or recommendation by Tahoe Donner Association or its board of directors of the
offices during that time, from at-large member
products, services, or views contained therein.
to president, and contributed mightily to help
Tahoe Donner News (ISSN 1550-6061) is
shape the association into what we all enjoy
the official monthly publication of Tahoe Donner Association, which is located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA 96161. Each membership parcel receives one sub-
today. He is our resident historian; it doesn’t seem to matter what issue comes up, Ron will have dealt with it in one way or another
scription to a domestic address. Additional
during his tenure. He counts the acquisition of
subscriptions are available at the cost of $25
the Euer Valley, replacement of the golf course
each. Cost to produce and distribute this publication is offset by advertising revenues.
restaurant, expansion of Trout Creek, and
Periodicals Postage Paid at Truckee, CA, and
enclosure of the restaurant deck as some of
additional mailing offices. Member letters to
the best things that occurred during his times
Tahoe Donner are published in the Members
on the board. He has told me that, with three
section of tahoedonner.com, where publishing guidelines are available.
grandsons and a granddaughter on the way, he is stepping away to enjoy this next phase of his and Kelly’s life. He will be missed.
2
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
those fantastic facilities.
WHAT WILL THIS NEW BOARD BE FACING? The five of us will be in the enviable position of overseeing an association that has just experienced its second consecutive winter of record financial performance! As you probably know, the winter season (December – March) is what makes or breaks us financially. The revenues generated from all of our winter amenities, which include a significant portion of “public” revenue, contribute handsomely to our reserves, offset operating costs, and take the pressure off our annual assessment. Our basic approach to how we, as members, pay is (Continued on p. 4)
July
F R I . , S AT. & S U N . I N J U LY
FOR ADDITIONAL JUNE EVENTS SEE
LET’S GET TOGETHER ON PAGE 10 SIGN UP FOR AN ARCHERY CLINIC
Learn archery and the skills needed to enjoy some friendly competition. See page 12.
J U LY 6
SOCCER GOLF
Perfect for the entire family! It’s a cross between soccer and golf, and its lots of fun! See page 28.
J U LY 1 1 , 1 8 & 2 5
Summer Concert on the Green, July 1 and 2
TAKE A HISTORICAL KAYAK TOUR
Explore Donner Lake by kayak and learn lake history and interesting facts. See page 12.
J U LY 1 4
COWGIRLS & COCKTAILS
Cowgirls and cowboys are invited for an early evening trail ride followed by beer, wine and appetizers! See page 10.
Did you get your tickets to the Summer Concert on the Green? It's our biggest event of the year and it's a perfect way to spend a summer evening with family or friends under the stars. If you are going, don't forget that Tahoe Donner is a smoke-free property, and remember to only bring low-back chairs. More concert rules and the schedule for the evening can be found at www.tahoedonner.com/summer-concert-if-you-go/. ALL EVENTS ARE DEPENDENT ON CONDITIONS. PLEASE CHECK TAHOEDONNER.COM OR CALL 530-587-9400 FOR UPDATES.
J U LY 1 5
TD VOLUNTEER TRAIL DAYS
Love Tahoe Donner trails? Volunteer to help make them even better! See page 13.
J U LY 1 5
FUN-DAMENTAL SERIES FOR KIDS
Our certified mountain biking instructors will teach the fundamentals of mountain biking to kids ages 9 to 12. See page 11.
tahoedonner.com |
3
(Continued from p. 2) simple: 1. We all benefit from having up-to-date, well-maintained facil-
What’s our challenge? I think the biggest one we face is a regional
ities and amenities (primarily through our own usage of them, but also
one: An inadequate amount of affordably-priced housing for all the
when we want to sell our properties and need willing buyers to pay an
workers who support the activities in the Tahoe basin. This impacts us
appropriate price), so we all share in the capital costs of the association;
as we try to bring workers in on a seasonal basis to staff the amenities
and, 2. Users of the amenities and facilities should pay the operating
we all enjoy, as well as impacting our permanent staff, many of whom
costs. Our public amenities play a big role as well, since we essentially
have to make long commutes from home to their jobs. It is not simply a
are selling excess capacity in those amenities to the public at higher
problem for us, it affects the Town of Truckee and every other orga-
prices than we charge our members. Over the past four years, we have
nization from here to the lake. We are not avoiding the issue. We are
seen two consecutive drought winters, and now two consecutive record
actively working on the problem, exploring the options we have. How
winters. In the drought winters, our operations were a million dollars
we choose to address this issue will have an impact on all of us who
or more below budget, while in the record winters, they have been more
enjoy the wonderful place we call home: Tahoe Donner.
than a million above budget. (Investments such as snowmaking have
Thank you for your time and attention. When you have the oppor-
helped make the past two winters even better). Our operating account
tunity, welcome your new board members because we will all be
(essentially our checkbook), which was so low at one point during the
quite busy; and, say thank you to Ron and Steve for the time they have
drought years that we had to require staff to take significant amounts
donated to make our lives better.
of unpaid time off, is now at approximately $5,000,000. Our capital accounts and reserve accounts are healthy and prepared to carry us
JEFF BONZON | BOARD PRESIDENT
forward as we face the necessary expenses related to a 45-year old physical plant. To get to this point, your boards over the past half-dozen years, supported by the Finance and General Plan Committees, had to make hard choices regarding the level of the assessment, pricing of our amenities and activities, and where we’ve spent our money. With the outstanding winter performances, we have been able to hold the assessment steady for two years. I am hopeful that we can do that again for 2018. We’ll know more as we move through the summer and into the budget process in the fall.
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PO Box 11107, Truckee, CA 96162 BONDED & INSURED • CA LIC #764916
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
#tahoedonnerassociation facebook.com/tahoedonner twitter.com/tahoedonner instagram.com/tahoedonnerassociation
TAHOE DONNER CONTACTS Member Communications (area code 530)
Member Services 587-9400 info@tahoedonner.com General Manager 587-9431 gm@tahoedonner.com Contact Member Services to be transferred to other departments. Amenities Beach Club Marina 587-9460 marina@tahoedonner.com Bikeworks 582-9694 bikeworks@tahoedonner.com Cross Country Ski Area 587-9484 xc@tahoedonner.com Downhill Ski Area 587-9444 ski@tahoedonner.com Equestrian Center 587-9470 equestrian@tahoedonner.com Forestry 587-9432 forestry@tahoedonner.com Golf Course 587-9443 golf@tahoedonner.com The Lodge 587-9455 lodge@tahoedonner.com Pizza On The Hill 582-9669 pizza@tahoedonner.com Recreation Info Hut 587-9413 troutcreek@tahoedonner.com Tahoe Donner Campground 587-9462 campground@ tahoedonner.com Tennis Center 587-9474 tennis@tahoedonner.com Trails 582-9672 trails@tahoedonner.com Trout Creek Rec. Center 587-9437 troutcreek@tahoedonner.com Tahoe Donner Association Committee Chairs Architectural Standards, Rod Whitten aso@tahoedonner.com Covenants, Fred Zapponi fzapponi@tahoedonner.com Elections, Bette Rohrback truckeebette@yahoo.com Finance, Art King aiking156@att.net General Plan, Michael Sullivan iceman40@mac.com Giving Fund Chairman, Dick Gander tdgf@tahoedonner.com Tahoe Donner Association Chartered Club Presidents Bridge Club, Pat Callahan mrscallahan36@gmail.com Friends of TD Trails, B.R. Levine tdtrails@gmail.com Rowing Club, Dot Mace dotmace@me.com Senior Alpine Ski, Michael Eyton-Lloyd hmsmike1@aol.com Tennis, Michele Forsberg minkeysf@sbcglobal.net 9-Holers, Lynette Powell lynette.powell@sbcglobal.net Men’s Golf, Patrick Gemma patgemma1@att.net Women’s Golf, Bettye Carmichael ibboop@suddenlink.net Hiking Club, Robin Reese rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net Quilt Club, Linda Brush sewlinda@aol.com Junior Golf Club, Jean Lai jslai@comcast.net TD 4-Wheelers Club, Bill Ratcliff club@td4wheelers.org Equestrian Club, Susan Terrell terrellsf@earthlink.net
tahoedonner.com |
5
ASSOCIATION NEWS 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION RESULTS Five candidates ran for two available seats in this year’s election, with Jeffrey Connors and Jennifer Jennings being elected to three-year terms. To follow is a “Quorum Summary” for the 2017 director election:
CATCH A
FREE RIDE
TO TRUCKEE THURSDAYS
CANDIDATES
VOTES
Courtney Murrell
966
days has begun
Jeffrey Connors
1,203
and Tahoe Donner
Mark Peshoff
339
is providing a free
Jennifer Jennings
977
shuttle service to
Steve McClure - withdrew (86 votes)
0
and from the event.
Kenneth Knutsen
280
Downtown Truckee
Total Votes
3,765
Thursdays is a great
Truckee Thurs-
community event
QUORUM SUMMARY TYPE OF BALLOT
BALLOTS CAST
VOTES CAST
Ballots w/Candidate Votes
2,013
3,765
Quorum Purposes Only
88
N/A
Totals
2,101
3,765
Members Eligible to Vote
6,351
Required Quorum 25%
1,588 2,101
Disqualified Ballots
12
Total Ballots Received
2,113
a variety of vendors. The event takes place in downtown Truckee for 11 weeks through August 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. The complimentary shuttle will leave Trout Creek Recreation Center starting at 4:30 p.m. and will run every 15 minutes, with the last shuttle departing Trout Creek at 9:15 p.m. Shuttles from downtown returning to Trout Creek will begin at 4:45 p.m. and
OTHER INFORMATION Total Ballots Counted
with live music, great art, children’s activities, a beer garden and
will run every 15 minutes, until 9:30 p.m. We will adhere to this schedule as best as possible, although unforeseen traffic issues may cause delays.
ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST Would you like to have your photo published? We’re holding our annual photo contest for
2017
Tahoe Donner members! Grab your camera or go through your photo archives and select your best images that fit the following categories. We’ll select our favorites; winners in each of the three categories will be published in the October issue of the Tahoe Donner News and will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Lodge Restaurant & Pub.
Deadline: Sunday, September 3, 2017 Who may enter: Contest is open to all Tahoe Donner members of any age. Three Categories: Action, Nature, and People. All photos must be taken at Tahoe Donner.
Guidelines: Entrants must submit photo(s) that fit in one of the three categories, and photos must be taken at Tahoe Donner. Photo must be in digital format; high resolution JPG file required. Limit five entries per person. Important: Entrants must be prepared to sign a release form for any persons appearing in photos and also to give Tahoe Donner Association usage rights to submitted images.
How to enter: Simply email your digital photo submission to comdep@tahoedonner.com. In your email, include the name of the photographer, category, date the photo was taken (approximate date OK), and a short sentence or two about the photo. If your photo is one of our top selections, we will contact you for additional information. Winners will be announced in the October edition of Tahoe Donner News.
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
CELEBRATE JULY FOURTH ! TIME: 10 A.M.–1 P.M.
residents and homeowners. Play
ner or somewhere else in the area
Keep your eyes peeled for the
games, listen to music and watch
this Fourth of July, there is much
Tahoe Donner float and help
the fireworks at night.
to do this Independence Day!
cheer us on to victory!
Details at www.tdrpd.org/2-
Celebrate your independence
Register to be in the parade by
uncategorised/156-4th-of-july.html
with one or more of the following
July 2 at goo.gl/bBnAWc
events:
Details at chamber.truckee.com/
Whether you’re in Tahoe Don-
TRUCKEE Truckee Fire Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast WHERE: STATION 92 – 11473 DONNER PASS ROAD, TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA TIME: 7–10 A.M.
Start your day by having breakfast with firefighters and benefit the Truckee Firefighters' Charitable Fund. Details at facebook. com/events/1085674714856799/
events/details/truckee-4th-of-
NORTH & WEST LAKE TAHOE July 1-4 Red, White and Tahoe
july-parade-1058 Beach Club Marina Fun with Fireworks WHERE: BEACH CLUB MARINA AT DONNER LAKE TIME: ALL DAY BEGINNING AT 7 A.M.
Tahoe Donner will be providing shuttle service to the beach from the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area parking lots starting at noon until everyone has departed after
Blue Celebrations WHERE: VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND INCLINE VILLAGE, NEVADA
LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US: ON JULY 4, SHUTTLES WILL RUN CONTINUOUSLY FROM TAHOE DONNER DOWNHILL SKI AREA TO THE BEACH CLUB MARINA STARTING AT NOON, UNTIL THE LAST GUEST HAS LEFT AFTER THE FIREWORKS.
TIME: TIMES VARY DAILY
Tahoe City Funky Beach Bash
Between July 1 and July 4,
and Fireworks Show
partake in a variety of patriotic
WHERE: COMMONS BEACH
events to celebrate your
TIME: ALL DAY
independence. From community
Head to downtown Tahoe City
fair, parades and to fireworks
early and enjoy a family beach
and more.
day, activities downtown, restau-
Details at redwhiteandbluetahoe.
rants and shopping before the
com
evening fireworks show. 72 years
July 3 Fireworks & Beach Party
of fireworks greatness! Details at www.visittahoecity.org/
Firecracker Mile Fun Run
the fireworks. Please park in des-
WHERE: RACE STARTS ON DONNER PASS ROAD AT US BANK AND FINISHES AT TRUCKEE’S TRAIN STATION IN DOWNTOWN TRUCKEE.
ignated areas and follow signage
TIME: 9:45 A.M.
Details at tahoedonner.com/
WHERE: NORTH TAHOE EVENT CENTER AT KINGS BEACH STATE RECREATION AREA
Support the Auburn Ski Club
beach-club-marina
TIME: 4–10 P.M.
Homewood Festival
Now in its 38th year, party on
Where: Downtown Homewood
the beach with a beer and wine
Time: 5-9 p.m.
garden, games, music and more.
Enjoy games, attractions and
And don’t miss the fireworks!
inflatable rides!
Event happens on July 3. Details
Details at homewoodparks.com/
at northtahoebusiness.org/july-
special-events/4th-of-july-
3rd-fireworks-beach-party/
celebration/
with this patriotic run. Details at truckee-travel-guide.com/ fourth-of-july.html Truckee Fourth of July Parade WHERE: DOWNTOWN TRUCKEE – DONNER PASS ROAD
for pick up and drop off. The shuttles will be making continuous loops throughout the day.
West End Beach Party with Fireworks WHERE: WEST END OF DONNER LAKE TIME: ALL DAY EVENT BEGINNING AT 9 A.M.
Beach party exclusive to TDRPD
event/tahoe-city-4th-julyfireworks-show/
Search ALL TAHOE DONNER Properties FOR SALE:
www.ISellTruckee.com/TahoeDonner 21 years at Bar of America® in Historic Downtown Truckee have taught Bill a thing or two about tending to your needs. Welcoming Bill to Real Estate and Tahoe Truckee Brokers.
Get in touch with Bill or Nancy (Boss/Wife) today!
BILL KENNY
NANCY COSTELLO
REALTOR®
BROKER-OWNER
California BRE #
California BRE # 01256997
Bill@TahoeTruckeeBrokers.com
Nancy@ISellTruckee.com
530.448.0694: CELL
530.426.5005: CELL tahoedonner.com |
7
BULLETIN BOARD
Introducing the tahoe donner wildflower guide Have you ever been hiking around Tahoe Donner and noticed a particularly striking flower that you couldn’t identify? We now have a new wildflower guide to come to your rescue! Wildflower pro and Tahoe Donner homeowner, Susan Kelso, has spent many years collecting an archive of photos and information about flowers from all over California. Her expertise has been condensed and assembled into a bite-sized reference guide that’s perfect for explorers of all levels. Whether you are just starting to learn about our local flora or are comfortable with most vegetation, but want a handy cheat sheet, this guide is for you. The wildflower guide features over 20 local flowers identified by both their common and Latin names, as well as distinguishable features, and the months in which each flower is typically in season. Swing by the Member Services desk and ask
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
for a copy of the Wildflower Guide or feel free to print off your own PDF copy from our website at www.tahoedonner.com/wildflower-guide.
CAPITAL PROJECTS AT A GLANCE CAPITAL PROJECT
IDEA SELECTION
PROJECT SELECTION
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
FINAL DESIGN
CONSTRUCTION
Post Project Review to be Scheduled
SUMMER TRAIL GROOMING Completion Expected Late June
ALDER CREEK ADVENTURE CENTER ADDITIONAL STORAGE
Post Project Review to be Scheduled
TROUT CREEK RECREATION CENTER POOLISIDE LOCKER ROOM REMODEL Funding Approved for Pre-Bid Drawings
TROUT CREEK RECREATION CENTER SPACE REALLOCATION Options Being Evaluated
CLUSTER MAILBOX CONSOLIDATION
GLACIER WAY EXPANDED PARKING
Awaiting AMP Priority
EQUESTRIAN CENTER PHASE 3
Awaiting AMP Priority
EMPLOYEE HOUSING
REVIEW
Decision Paper Moved to July Board Meeting
ASSOCIATION MASTER PLAN
DOWNHILL SKI AREA STUDY
POST PROJECT
Consultant Selection Underway Project Task Force Study expanded
This chart shows the current status of capital projects as they progress through the six-stage Capital Projects Process. For more detail, visit tahoedonner.com/capital-projects/ and click on Active Projects. Suggestions are always welcome. If you have an idea for an improvement project, new amenity, facility or service at Tahoe Donner, please complete the form located at tahoedonner.com/ capital-projects/ and click on Submit Your Ideas.
Listed & Sold by The Sharp Team in Tahoe Donner JUST LISTED!
JUST LISTED!
Just Sold Tahoe Donner Contact Janie Sharp & Kristi Hood today! Sold: 12722 Parsenn Rd. for $870,000 Sold: 11813 Kitzbuhel Rd. for $130,000
- Listed For $1,249,000-
- Listed For $899,000-
14379 Skislope Way
13370 Heidi Way
4086+/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bedroom | 4 Bath
2478+/- Sq. Ft. | 4 Bedroom | 3 Bath
JUST LISTED!
JUST LISTED!
Sold: 11441/11443 Northwoods Blvd for $375,000 to $380,000 Sold: 12681 Skiview Loop for $709,000 Sold: 12675 Saint Bernard Dr. for $475,000
THE TAHOE DONNER MARKET IS HOT! As of June 7th..there are 57 homes actively listed for sale, 31 homes are Pending Sale and 53 homes have SOLD since March 1,2017! This is the best time to sell!! Call The Sharp Team today for a free market evaluation of your home or property.
Janie’s Cell 530 412 1400 | Kristi’s Cell 530 386 0688 - Listed For $715,00016423 Northwood Blvd. 1912+/- Sq. Ft. | 3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath plus Family Room
- Listed For $699,50014106 Northwoods Blvd. 1882+/- Sq. Ft. | 3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.THESHARPTEAM.COM
tahoedonner.com |
9
NER
C ENT E R N A I R EQ U EST DON
TY
OE TA H PU
BLIC AM
EN
I
Lots of events are happening at the Equestrian Center in the month of July. And we would love to have you join us!
Featured July Events • Saturday Night BBQs, July 8, July 15 and July 29 Our Saturday Night BBQ is a family favorite and sure to delight the young and young at heart. Our guests join us at 5 p.m. for a fun-filled evening of games, crafts, contests, dress up and delicious food. See tahoedonner.com/equestrian for all dates, details and pricing. • Cowgirls and Cocktails, July 14 Cowgirls and cowboys are invited to gather for an early evening trail ride followed by beer, wine and appetizers. Enjoy a meandering trail ride through highland meadows and forests and then relax, nibble on appetizers and sip a frosty beer or glass of wine. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend. If you can’t make July 14, additional Cowgirls and Cocktails events will be offered throughout August. See tahoedonner.com/equestrian for all dates, details and pricing.
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
The Equestrian Center is open for horse
please bring them. Please, no soccer cleats. Don’t miss this family fun event.
boarding until Oct. 1, available to both mem-
COST: $8 FOR KIDS; $10 FOR ADULTS
bers and the public. Come stay in the beautiful
TIME: 4–7 P.M.
setting of the Alder Creek Adventure Center and ride your horse right out the backdoor to Euer Valley.
Book a private dinner ride! Euer Valley Private Dinner rides are available for up to six of your friends or family members. We’ll take you on a special, guided
They’re available every weekend all summer long, as well as weeklong camps starting on July 17 and 24 this month. See you on the trails,
Pro Shop News We have lots of new merchandise to choose
DAVE WALKER | TAHOE DONNER BIKE PROGRAM MANAGER
from so come check it out. As a Tahoe Donner member, you receive a ten percent discount on merchandise!
JAMES MURTAGH | GOLF MANAGER
NT E R E C s i t en n Y
horseback ride into Euer Valley, followed by a gourment picnic dinner in the valley.
PR
DON
RE
N TA
R KS S
B I K E WO
NER
IR
KRYSTAL-RAE MECHAM | EQUESTRIAN MANAGER
OE TA H
P
A
COST: ADULT $109; CHILD $99, OFFERED FROM 3:30–6 P.M.
E LS & R
Our trails are finally starting to dry out from the amazing winter we had, and the NE DON
R
O U R SE C F L O G E
TY
O TA H
PU
BLIC AM
EN
I
Summer is finally here and the course is in great shape! Book your tee times by using Foretees or calling the golf shop at 530-5879443. Our clinics are back! Clinics are approximately one hour and run through Sept. 4. All clinics are $20 per student. No sign up needed, just show up. Private lessons are also available by appointment. Call the golf shop for more information.
ASHLEY QUADROS
Soccer Golf, July 6 It’s a cross between soccer and golf and it’s quickly becoming a new trend across the country. Our version will be held on a ninehole course on the driving range. Soccer balls will be available, but if you have your own,
mountain biking is getting good. I hope you get a chance to get out and ride some of the beautiful trails we have here in Tahoe Donner.
IT
Did you know we offer boarding?
I VAT E A M
EN
July is the busiest month at the Tahoe Donner Tennis Center and we have packed our calendar with all your favorites. Don’t miss out on the fun as we continue our ever-popular clinics, lessons and junior camp programs. Check out the Pro Exhibition, sign up for the Lake Cup, join us for Breakfast at Wimbledon and don’t miss the World-Famous Burger Bash.
Here are some highlights for this month: • For the latest in trail conditions, stop by Bikeworks in the Alder Creek Adventure Center and our friendly staff will be happy to point you to the good stuff.
Margarita Madness – Pro Exhibition, July 1
• The Tahoe Mountain Bike Girls will be leading free rides for women of all ages and abilities on July 11 and July 25. Meet at Alder Creek Adventure Center by 5:15 p.m. as the ride starts at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Demo bikes are available inside Bikeworks if you need them.
sponsored by the Tennis Club and are free to
• Our second mountain bike maintenance clinic for women is coming up on July 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. The first clinic this summer was very successful and everyone had a great time while learning how to take care of their bike. This event is free for members and only $10 for everyone else.
sus Lake Tahoe competition. Get your game
• Our next round of specialty clinics will be coming up on July 15. Topics for these four-hour clinics are an introduction to mountain biking for women, or FUNdamental mountain biking for kids aged 9-12. You can sign up online for these lessons taught by our IMBA certified mountain bike instructors. • Don’t forget to sign up online for our always popular kids’ mountain bike camps.
Sit back, relax and watch the pros go to work as they battle it out on the court for your viewing pleasure. Pro exhibitions are everyone. TIME: 3 P.M.
The Lake Cup, July 8 Head to the Incline Village Tennis Center and help cheer us on in the Donner Lake verface on as we challenge the very best players from rival clubs. Sign up early, as spots are sure to fill up quickly. TIME: 2–5 P.M. BBQ AND POTLUCK: 5 P.M.
Breakfast at Wimbledon, July 16 Your presence is requested, wearing your Wimbledon Whites (or pajamas) as together we shall share a spot of tea or milk, strawberries and cream, and scones whilst we watch Wimbledon amongst our clubs’ tennis enthusiasts! Don't forget to bring your English accent. Cheerio! TIME: 6 A.M. COST: CLUB MEMBER $10, NON-MEMBER $15, CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER $5
tahoedonner.com |
11
World-Famous Burger Bash, July 22
skills in round robin play. Stay for the postmatch BBQ and potluck. CLINIC: 3 P.M. ROUND ROBIN: 4–6 P.M. BBQ AND POTLUCK: 6 P.M. COST: FREE FOR TENNIS CLUB MEMBERS, TAHOE DONNER MEMBERS $10, GUESTS $16
Junior Tennis Program 2017 Our junior tennis programs will help your young tennis enthusiast get comfortable with all of the basics of the game. Afternoon camps and clinics will help immerse your child in everything tennis while having fun with instructional and game-based learning.
Junior Tennis Camps The return of our afternoon tennis camps will once again become the mainstay of our immersion program. Our flexible program will allow you to bring your child to and from tennis at a time that fits your busy summer schedule. The best part of the program is that you only pay for the time they play. Call to register your child; space is limited.
11+ TENNIS For beginner, intermediate, or advanced
PR
I V AT E A M
offered on July 3.
July 4 Shuttle Service
HOURLY COST: MEMBER $14, GUESTS $16
For more information, check out the website at tahoedonner.com/tennis, call 530-587-9474, email tennis@tahoedonner.com or just stop on down and pick up a calendar and a copy of the Summer Fun Guide.
IAN MINDELL | DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
Every Friday night starting at 6:30 p.m.,
the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area park-
bring your favorite pillow and blanket to
ing lots to the Beach Club Marina on July 4
Northwoods Clubhouse, kick your feet up and
starting at noon. The shuttle will continue to run until everyone has departed after the fireworks. Please park in designated areas at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area parking lots
enjoy both classic and new movies. Please call the Recreation Hut at 530-582-9646 to find out what’s playing! All movies are rated G or
and follow signage for pick up and drop off.
PG. Free!
The shuttles will be making continuous loops
Free Shuttle to Truckee Thursdays
throughout the day.
Every Thursday night, we offer complimentary shuttle service from Trout Creek
Demo Day, July 15
Recreation Center to downtown Truckee and
The Sports Hub will host a demo day
back with shuttle service available approxi-
featuring a variety of kayaks, paddle boards and paddles on July 15. Please note, this is for
mately every 15 minutes from 4:30 to 9:15 p.m.
members who are in the market to compare
ROGER BURNS | RECREATION SUPERVISOR
and paddle a potential purchase. Free event!
Crawdad Fishing Contest, July 18 The annual crawdad fishing contest is back! Fishing starts at noon and judging is at 2 p.m.
REEK C T U O T R C ENT E R R EC
sharp. This is a catch and release event. Free to participate but entry fees apply.
ALI KOVACH | BEACH CLUB MARINA MANAGER
PR
your kids play games, do arts and crafts, have DO
R NNE
TI ON R EC R EA EV RAMS &
E
PR
NT
S
OE TA H OG
dinner from Pizza on the Hill and watch a movie. Just relax and have fun while our trained staff looks after your little ones. Space is limited. Concert Kids Night Out is for kids ages 4 to 9.
Rock Climb with Us, July 8 and 22 Join us for a challenging and fun morning of rock climbing with professional guides on Donner Summit. All levels welcome, from
WHERE: TROUT CREEK RECREATION CENTER TIME: 4:30–10 P.M. COST: $25 (PER NIGHT)
first-timers to experienced climbers. All equipment provided. A minimum of five people required to hold the clinic; 15-person maximum. TIME: 9 A.M.–12:30 P.M.
ROGER BURNS
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
EN
Enjoy Summer Concert on the Green while
COST: $45 PER PERSON; BOOK ON SHOPTD.TAHOEDONNER.COM
12
I VAT E A M
Concert Kids Night Out, July 1–2
HOURLY COST: MEMBER $14, GUESTS $16
AGES: 5–10 YEARS
Friday Movie Night
We will be providing shuttle service from
AGES: 11+ YEARS
DAYS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 2–5 P.M.
a blanket, enjoy a pizza from Pizza on the Hill, and play for fun prizes. No bingo will be
DAYS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 3–5 P.M.
DATES: JUNE 19–AUGUST 18
woods Clubhouse from 6:30–8 p.m. Bring
EN
DATES: JUNE 19–AUGUST 18
10 AND UNDER TENNIS
Monday night on the lawn outside North-
Y
our certified teaching pros and then test your
C LU B B EACAHR I NA M
IT
schedule. Join the warm-up clinic with one of
Y
become a mainstay of the summer tennis
Through Aug. 28, play bingo for free every
IT
These Tennis Club sponsored events have
Monday Night Bingo
Modified hours of operation in July
tion about our trail work events can be found
Come join us and bring your friends. The
JULY 1 AND 2: CLOSING AT 3 P.M. FOR SUMMER CONCERT ON THE GREEN
at the club's website.
tournament is Aug. 3, 2017. You can sign up in
JULY 4: OPEN 6 A.M.–8 P.M.
and our events, please visit us at TDTrails.org.
look forward to seeing you.
Tahoe Donner Equestrian Club
Tahoe Donner Four Wheel Drive (TD4WD) Club
For more information about the Trails Club
We invite you to share your summer! What’s been your favorite horseback riding
SH
S
A C LU B
ARE INTE
S
JOIN
BER
ST
M
EM TD M EET
RE
Friends of Tahoe Donner Trails Club Founded for the sake of hands on stewardship and education, the Friends of Tahoe Donner Trails club is for everyone who values and enjoys Tahoe Donner’s trails and natural surroundings. The Trails Club is delighted to announce that we are partnering once again with the Truckee River Watershed Council to conduct an educational, invasive weed walk right here in Tahoe Donner. This year's walk, which runs
experience at Tahoe Donner? Riding the trails into Euer Valley? Ponies and Pancakes, or
down the hill to Nevada for three excellent
Cowgirls and Cocktails? Or …?
trail runs. The first run on May 13, 2017
Tell us about it in an email of 200 words or
Canyon Road to Sunrise Pass Road and then
Tahoe Donner and you’ll be entered into our
back through El Dorado Canyon Jeep Trail to
summer drawing. Two lucky people will win
Dayton, Nev. Five vehicles made the trip. The
one of the following gift certificates: • 1-hour trail ride for adults or half-hour pony ride for kids ages 2–6 at the Equestrian Center; or
scenery was spectacular with wild horses,
• 1 The Lodge Restaurant & Pub gift certificate for $50.
trip was that GPS routing to Brunswick Can-
Email your story to the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Club at terrellsf@earthlink.net by July 15 to enter the drawing.
Road bridge across the Carson River was abandoned with large holes in the bridge deck
as we drove up out of the canyon to Sunrise Pass Road. Next, the left turn took us down
cover, we need all the help we can get. If you
the El Dorado Canyon Jeep Trail. This was the
stroll the neighborhoods or travel the trails,
most challenging section as previous winter
we want you to become a weed spotter. Gar-
flooding obliterated the road and left a rocky, has a blast on The Equestrian Club always the trails.
debris covered wash to navigate. Don Schel-
Enjoy our great Tahoe Donner trails on
fully picking their way down the trail as they
lenberg and Dave Brown led the group, care-
horseback and share your summer!
had scouted it before. The geology included
Junior Golf Club
well as other spectacular rock formations.
What a wonderful summer. The course is in great shape. Have you been out working on
Beginning on July 15 and continuing
your game? Tahoe Donner Junior Golf Club
through the season, the Trails Club will
is in full swing. Come join us each Thursday
partner with the Trails Department to host
afternoon for fun and games. Remember, play-
volunteer trail work days on the third Sat-
ers and their families get 20 percent discount
urday of every month. These events feature
dinners after junior golf. And, there are free
fun, family friendly projects that are open to
mini clinics for Junior Golf Club parents.
a range of physical abilities. No experience is
identify the reason–the Brunswick Canyon
road were washed out but the road improved
practiced eye. But with over 7,000 acres to
at tdtrails@gmail.com.
to the canyon. Using a satellite map helped
River. From there, the first sections of the
residents develop a weed spotters trained and
RSVP as soon as possible by emailing the club
yon Road kept suggesting indirect approaches
the south side of the bridge at the Carson
Trails Club has helped scores of Tahoe Donner
hope you will attend this year's event. Please
first indication that it was going to be a fun
down a very steep and exciting dirt trail to
Through workshops and weed pulls, the
ing to refresh or expand your knowledge, we
tance, and varied geologic formations. The
area via BLM lands to the west and dropped
and best yet.
spotting, or a veteran of previous walks look-
views of snowcapped mountains in the dis-
visible from space. Instead, we accessed the
We hope this year's walk will be the biggest
No matter whether you are new to weed
was out of Carson City, Nev. up Brunswick
less. Describe your best time on the trails at
fifth year in a row that we've hosted this event.
years old, weed spotting is for everyone.
With the snow lingering on many of our normal trails, the TD4WD Club ventured
from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, will be the
dener or golfer, full time or part time, 8 or 80
the pro shop at Tahoe Donner Golf Course. We
Our Annual Championship Tournament
necessary, all ages are welcome, and families
will be here soon. There are flights for all
are encouraged to attend. Detailed informa-
ages and skill levels. There are a ton of prizes.
a conglomerate cliff complete with a cave, as Like most of our trips, this one ended with delicious Mexican food–this time in Incline Village, Nev. The second run on May 20, 2017 was also up Brunswick Canyon but instead of turning left on Sunrise Pass Road, the group of ten vehicles turned right to exit the area to the west. It was a beautiful day allowing the group to pick a picturesque lunch stop on the plateau with a view of the snowcapped mountains to the south. The day ended at a Mexican restaurant
tahoedonner.com |
13
Tahoe Donner makes a great base camp to explore the region. If you are interested in joining us, see our
heimer’s. People of all different skill levels are welcome to join us. We also make placemats for Meals on
new website at td4wheelers.org.
Wheels and baby quilts for Truckee Well Baby
DEAN EPPLEY | TRAIL COORDINATOR
Group. Questions? Contact Linda Brush at sewlinda@aol.com.
TD Women’s Golf Club The Tahoe Donner Women’s Club (TDWGC) plays 18-hole rounds on Tuesdays, May through October. In addition to the weekly golf games, The cliff and cave spotted by the 4-Wheelers on their first May adventure.
at The Summit in Reno, Nev.–who would have thought! Thanks to Dave and Judy Brown for leading! The third run on June 3, 2017 took seven
TDWGC organizes fun and competitive golf events. Please join us as a guest to see how fun and friendly we
are. For details, visit our website at www.tdwomengolf.org.
UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS:
vehicles to Lockwood, Nev. east of Sparks on
July 7
Newcomer Get Together
Interstate 80. From Lockwood, we ven-
July 23–25
Women’s Invitational Golf Tournament
tured south on Lousetown Road, described as impassable by a concerned local resident
Aug. 8–9
Team Match Play
who stopped his pickup truck to tell us of an
Aug. 12–13
Club Championship
alternative route. We, of course, had to see firsthand his definition of impassable. The road started out rough with a steep drop off down into the wash but from there the road was just rough and rutted–hardly impassable for well-equipped Jeeps! We stopped to see the remains of an old way station/cabin with an interesting rock chimney but only one log from the original walls remained. We soon caught up with a group of four Mercedes Unimog trucks rumbling along who thoughtfully let us by. From there, Dennis and Jan Austin led us to the Petroglyphs Site but not without stopping for a large gopher snake or bullsnake crossing the road; it mimicked a rattlesnake’s coloration, including the yellow-black diamond markings. We ventured across Long Valley Creek up to the Lagomarsino Petroglyph Site which is one of the largest rock art sites in Nevada with over 2,200 petroglyph panels. Here we ate lunch and enjoyed viewing the petroglyphs. These petroglyphs were created over a 10,000 year period; I’m glad we got to see them! From here, the group con-
TDWGC INVITATIONAL FUN!
By the time this article is printed, the Men's Golf Club will have hosted three tournaments
The 2017 TDWGC Invitational will be held
in June. Three more tournaments are sched-
Sunday-Tuesday, July 23-25. Please mark
uled for July. One of these is the annual junior/
those dates on your calendar and notify your
senior, father/son, father/daughter event. It
guests. No guests? No problem. There are
is schedule for July 29. This tournament is
quite a few gals at the Ridge and at Lincoln
open to all Tahoe Donner residents. You do
Hills who would like to play. Each foursome
not need to be a member of the Men's Club to
can have a maximum of two members.
participate. The entry fee includes an awards
If you need a guest, please e-mail Robin
luncheon after the tournament where prizes
(rbtahoe@sbcglobal.net) and she will get one
will be awarded to multiple winners. Stop by
for you now so you can meet and play with her
the pro shop at Tahoe Donner Golf Course and
in advance if you’d like.
pick up a flyer that provides more details of
Interested in joining our club? Email Membership Director, Kathie Schwartz, at
the event. It is never too late to join the Men's Club
jerryandapple@aol.com for an application or
and take part in all the events. Stop by the pro
go to https://sites.google.com/site/
shop or Member Services to pick up the simple
tdgolfwomen/home, and click on “applica-
one page application. If you have any ques-
tion.” Applications may also be picked up at
tions, feel free to contact Club President, Pat
Member Services at Northwoods Clubhouse or
Gemma, at patgemma1@att.net.
by emailing the club at tdwgclub@gmail.com.
Tahoe Donner Quite Club Tahoe Donner Quilt Club is skipping the July 5 meeting since it is the middle of the July
across hundreds of tricked out motorcycles
4 holiday week. The second meeting in July
participating in Street Vibrations. Even with
will be July 21 from 6–8 p.m. in Northwoods
the crowds, we were easily able to find outside
Clubhouse. Our current project is the fidget
tables for us and our K9 partners to relax.
quilts for older people with dementia and Alz-
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
Men’s Golf Club
Theme: “The Best of Broadway”
tinued on to Virginia City, Nev. where we ran
14
Just some of the many quilts the Tahoe Donner Quilt Club creates.
See you in the woods.
THE LODGE RESTAURANT & PUB
ALDER CREEK CAFE AND TRAILSIDE BAR
12850 Northwoods Blvd. 530-587-9455 tahoedonner.com/the-lodge
Early Birdie Happy Hour*
New summer menus!
drink specials and a limited happy
Open daily for lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. Now serving Sunday Brunch every week from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
No Corkage Tuesdays* Bring in a special bottle of wine from home to savor in the dining
Every day from 2–4 p.m., enjoy hour menu in The Pub. Open to golfers and non-golfers alike!
Free Wine Tasting, July 21 Stop by The Lodge from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and try wines by Trinitas Cellas. Free event!
room and we’ll waive the corkage
and salads in The Pub, valid
and wine happy hour offered daily from 3-6 p.m. Closures: The café will be closed on July 8 for a private event and will also close at 3 p.m. on July 28.
Friday Free Tastings Join us each Friday in July for a free beer and wine tasting from 3–6 p.m. The chef also creates an appetizer special each week for purchase, in addition to offering the regular menu. Not offered on July 28.
After your day riding a bike on the trails or taking on the trails by
Happy Hour* percent off shared plates, soups
Cafe and Bar hours: Open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. for lunch with beer
Free Live Music, July 22
fee on Tuesdays. Not valid July 4.
Enjoy drink specials and 25
15275 Alder Creek Rd. 530-587-9484 tahoedonner.com/aldercreekcafe
horseback, swing back by the café and enjoy live music from 6 to 8 p.m.!
ADDITIONAL LUNCH OPTIONS
every Sunday–Thursday from
T-9 GRILL
MARCO POLO GRILL
MARINA GRILL
4–6 p.m. Happy Hour is not valid
Open for breakfast 30 minutes
Poolside lunch and drink
Offers an assortment of food
before the first scheduled tee
service operates at Trout Creek
and drinks at the Beach Club
time and closes at 4 p.m.
from 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. daily.
from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily.
June 30–July 8.
PIZZA ON THE HILL 11509 Northwoods Blvd 530-582-9669 tahoedonner.com/pizza-on-the-hill
New Extended Hours Lunch: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. through Aug. 13 offering a
Get the latest dining news by joining the Tahoe Donner Dining newsletter online!
new lunch menu, plus delivery to Northwoods Pool for members. Dinner: Open daily from 5–8:30 p.m. through Sept. 4.
Happy Hour* You’ll be extra happy with these deals: drink specials, $4 Coors Light, $5 seasonal draft beers and $6 house cabernet or chardonnay by the glass, plus half-price wings. Offered every day we are open from 5-6 p.m. Not valid July 4.
Monday Night Bingo Free! Enjoy Monday night bingo on the lawn outside Northwoods Clubhouse. See page 12 for details. Not offered July 3.
Friday Family Movie Night Enjoy a movie on our big screen for FREE. See page 12 for details.
Open Mic Night, July 20 It’s Open Mic Night at Northwoods Clubhouse. Hosted by Michael
BASSETT FLOORING is family owned and operated and has
10800 Pioneer Trail, Unit 3, Truckee
served the Truckee-Lake Tahoe area
53 0 5 82.742 8
since 1979. We carry high-quality hardwood flooring and carpet ideal explore our amazing selection at the
We will supply an amplifier, but please bring your own instrument. This
Pioneer Commerce Center in Truckee.
event is offered on the third Thursday of every month.
bassettflooring.com
for your mountain home. Visit us and
Golden, join us from 6:30–9 p.m. and be ready for a fun-filled evening!
tahoedonner.com |
*All offers listed are valid during non-holiday periods and are not valid with any other promotions or coupons. Offers subject to change.
DINING OPTIONS
15
FEATURE
FIRE SAFE COUNCIL ANNOUNCES AWARD RECIPIENTS COURTESY OF THE FIRE SAFE COUNCIL OF NEVADA COUNTY
The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County honors those who have
The Fire Safe Council is a non-profit, local volunteer based organi-
dedicated their time and energy to help make our community safer
zation dedicated to making Nevada County safer from catastrophic
from wildfire. The awards are presented during the Annual Culinary
wildfire through fire prevention education, fire break clearing projects
Adventure event. The 10th annual event took place on Friday, May 19,
and creating nationally recognized Firewise Communities USAÂŽ.
2017 at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City.
The Nevada County Roads Department has been selected as Public Partner of the Year. They are a faithful and effective partner to the Fire Safe Council as well as the numerous Firewise Communities. With a focus on ingress and egress for emergency response, and citizen evacuation, many of the Fire Safe Council's projects and accomplishments would be much more costly and difficult were it not for the ongoing support from the Nevada County Roads Department. The Nevada County Roads Department has continued to commit substantial resources to enable hazard tree removals along critical evacuation routes, emergency tree removals during winter storms, as well as providing traffic control during fuel reduction projects. Their personnel are always responsive, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile to support the mission of making Nevada County safer from wildfire. Randy and Karabeth Hodges of Humpty Dumpty Kitchen in Grass Valley were chosen as Private Partner of the Year. Humpty Dumpty Kitchen has hosted an annual Spaghetti Feed fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars for wildfire prevention programs in the community. Their personal dedication to support the Fire Safe Council is above and beyond the support typical of local businesses. The funds raised at this event are critical to match state and federal grants. The Hodges are exceptional in their support of the Fire Safe Council’s stated mission. Sharon Beckenbach from North San Juan was selected as the Volunteer of the Year. She has been a regular volunteer in the office for several years providing extraordinary service on a variety of programs and grant administration. She has spent countless hours electronically filing historic grant documents, managing the Defensible Space Advisory visits requests, tracking critical in-kind donations, and filling in whenever help is needed. Her excellent skills, hard work, and warm personality are an asset to the Fire Safe Council and the community.
16
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
THE GREAT PINE NEEDLE DEBATE PRO: Fallen pine needles often serve as an important natural mulch, protecting bare soil from erosion. Fallen pine needles should be left in place. The Tahoe Donner Association—and their Registered Professional Forester, Bill Houdyschell—has been named Firewise Community® of the Year. They received and have retained this recognition since 2010. Their Forestry Department has implemented defensible space inspec-
CON: Dried, fallen pine needles are one of the most easily ignitable materials in Tahoe’s forests. Fallen pine needles should be removed.
tions and forest health education on all properties since the Angora Fire in 2007. They continue to provide educational outreach and physical
MAINTAIN A 1"– 2" LAYER OF NEEDLES 10' – 30'
vegetation management services to enable homeowners to achieve and maintain a Firewise condition around their homes. This is no easy task with a high number of second homeowners and many who simply don’t understand active forest management. They have also secured and implemented numerous grants for management of their forested common areas for community protection and forest health. These efforts have embedded wildfire prevention as a way of life for those at Tahoe Donner. The healthy forests they have created stand as an example of the legacy these efforts will leave for generations to come. For more information about the Fire Safe Council or the Culinary Adventure, visit the FSCNC web site at www.areyoufiresafe.com or call (530) 272-1122.
REMOVE ALL DEAD NEEDLES WITHIN 10'
COMPROMISE: In areas where dead pine needles are present, but are not covering bare soil, remove them. This includes dead needles that are still attached to trees; draped on live plants; lying on the roof or deck; covering lawn and mulches; or lying on hard surfaces, such as sidewalks, patios, and driveways. In areas where fallen needles are covering bare soil, use the following recommendations. Within 10 feet of the house and deck, remove all dead pine
Woman Owned Business
needles. For the area that lies 10 feet to at least 30 feet from the house and deck, maintain pine needles at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Take care to avoid disturbing the “duff layer” if present, the dark area at the ground surface where needles are decomposing.
PINE NEEDLE LITTER 1"– 2"
Serving Truckee/North Tahoe • Environmentally friendly • Organic citrus base solution • Safe for pets and people • Low moisture process
DUFF LAYER MINERAL SOIL For more information about pine needle management in Tahoe Donner and the Lake Tahoe Basin, visit tahoedonner.com/forestry/defensible-space, where you
DRY 1 IN HOUR!
530-320-4192
www.heavensbest.com
may view a PDF file of the California state guidelines for defensible space. You may also contact your conservation district office in California at 530-543-1501.
Mention this ad for 15% discount - 3 room minimum
tahoedonner.com |
17
Expires 12/29/17. Subject to terms & availability. This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase to residents of any state or country where registration is required and is not yet complete.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN
peace & quiet. When did Tahoe become so busy? When it’s time to get away, getting off the map is closer than ever. Venture just 45 scenic minutes north of Truckee and break free of chaos to arrive at the jewel of the Sierra — Nakoma. Home to a new way of thinking inspired by sustainability, harmony with nature and the adventuresome spirit. Discover our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Wigwam Room, Altitude — our new family adventure center, and Ascend, an inspiring collection of new mountain-modern homes. From cozy bungalows to landmark estates and homesites with panoramic views, each offers extraordinary value. All are on the grid, but happily away from the gridlock. STAY & PLAY FROM JUST $349
HIKE & STAY GETAWAY FROM JUST $349
Includes the Lodge at Nakoma accommodations for two. Enjoy rounds of golf on the Dragon course or a combination of golf and a luxurious massage.
Includes the Lodge at Nakoma accommodations for two, dinner for two in the Wigwam Room, two picnic lunches, and a Lost Sierra Guidebook to explore miles of pristine trails.
NAKOMA JUST 4 5 SCENIC MILES NORTH OF TRUCKEE N A KO M A R E S O R T. C O M • 8 7 7. 4 6 2 . 5 6 6 2 S H A R E D OW N E RS H I P F R O M T H E $ 5 0 ’S , R E SO RT H O M E S I T E S F R O M T H E $1 0 0 ’S M O U N TA I N - M O D E R N H O M E S F R O M T H E $ 3 0 0 ’ S T O O V E R $ 2 M I L L I O N
18
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
• Strategic Guidance refined • Strategic plan guidance
Y JUL
• Key assumptions developed: Macro (US/region economy) Micro (Tahoe Donner specific) AU GU ST
BOARD, FINANCE COMMITTEE AND MANAGEMENT INVOLVED THROUGH ENTIRE PROCESS ALL MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SEPTEMBER
• Annual assessment invoiced. Due 1/1
BUDGET TIMELINE
R BE M VE O
DEC EM BE R
• Budget Report issued
• Detail meetings and reviews Operating fund Capital funds
N • Annual Assessment requirement • Operating / Development / Replacement Reserve / NM&E Funds components
ER TOB OC
BUDGET INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING KEY DELIVERABLES:
• Budget final review and approval
• Reserve Study update / Capital Spend Plan • Rates and Fees Schedules June 2017
RECENT CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES:
Capital improvement reserve funds for aging facilities
Federal and state regulatory cost pressures (California minimum wage and sick pay mandate, federal affordable care act, workers compensation insurance)
Record revenues 2016/2017 winter and 2016 summer tahoedonner.com | 19 improve revenue estimates for 2018
TIPS FROM
TENNIS TIPS
VOLLEYS – GIMME THREE STEPS BY MARKUS VORWALD | TAHOE DONNER TENNIS PROFESSIONAL When I was growing up, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and later Pete Sampras inspired me to play tennis. Each of them have different personalities, but if they had one thing in common, it was their offensive game strategy. Watching them put pressure on their opponent by approaching the net inspired me to try the same. So, I went on the court and tried to play like my heroes. At that time it didn’t work very well for me. My volleys were either too long and wide or too weak, so my opponent passed me every time. I lost point after point. My coach tried to keep me off the net. He said, “Use your strength at the baseline and do not approach the net." Of course I didn’t listen to him. I didn’t want to play like Michael Chang, running from the left side of the court to the right and back again, waiting for a mis-hit of my opponent. I wanted to hit a winner like the guys on TV. Finally, my coach gave up and worked very hard with me on my volleys. We analyzed my strokes and found out that I did not use proper technique to play these volleys. The advice I give today is that the foundation of a successful offensive game is a profound volley technique. Even a lack of touch can be solved with a solid stroke. In today's game we can use a variety of volley strokes, but let’s start to talk about the basics.
THE 3 STEPS I HAD TO LEARN Get into the correct preparation position The perfect ready position for volleys is to keep your racket at eye level and centered in
Do not get too close to the ball or stay
front of your body. The volley is performed
too far away, otherwise you'll have to play
by moving the racket from high to low and
the ball in a stretch position. Of course, this
toward your target, which is the exact oppo-
is not always possible, but anticipating where
site way we perform a topspin groundstroke.
the ball is going and using dynamic footwork
Keeping your racket up and centered saves
will help you. When you are in the right posi-
time to react. A centered position of your
tion, you just need to step into the ball (left
racket ensures you have equal time to play
foot for a forehand volley for a right handed
either a forehand or backhand volley. A con-
player). I see a lot of tennis players who just
tinental grip allows you to play a forehand or
stand on both feet or, even worse, step side-
a backhand without changing the grip, which
ways with the wrong foot. In that case, you
also saves you time. Hold your racket gently,
lose control over your volley stroke. Bringing
not too tight, so that you have a good touch for
the weight toward the ball creates more speed
this stroke. I highly recommend that grip in
and helps you to keep your body in balance.
my clinics. Turn your upper body sideways My volleys were always out, because I used too much backswing. The backswing took too long and did not allow me to hit the ball at the right position in front of my body. When you learn to shorten your backswing and just turn your body sideways as soon as you see the ball coming, your shoulder is now facing the net. This will give you the correct position, keep the backswing short and help you to avoid hitting the ball out. Control your stroke by stepping in and “CUT THE MEAT”
20
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
Good footwork will help you get into the right hitting position.
When you step into the ball, guide your racket from high to low and toward the target you want. The contact point is always in front of your body. I call it “CUT THE MEAT” because that’s what I picture when I volley. I bring my knife on a steak from high to low, and then I enjoy the juice. After I learned to play my volleys with these three steps, I finally won points at the net and became a good doubles player as well. If you have problems hitting a consistent volley or don’t have the ability to kill the ball at the net, join my volley clinics this summer and you will enjoy your volley game even more!
THE PROS
GOLF TIPS
TEMPO BY JAMES MURTAGH | HEAD GOLF PRO When I watch a golfer hit a 7-iron, then a driver, he or she invariably amps up the swing speed with the longer club. Surely, the clubhead of the driver moves faster because it's longer, but it's because of the principles of physics, not because the golfer is swinging the club with a faster tempo. Tempo is the total amount of time it takes to create your golf swing from beginning to end. Some players have a relatively fast tempo, like Nick Price, while others have a slower tempo, like Fred Couples. Either
you feel you can hit your irons well one day, but not the woods, and vice versa. For every club in the bag, the tempo should be the same. It should take the same amount of time to make a swing with your pitching wedge as it does for the 7-iron and the driver, for example. What's different is the speed of the clubhead. Because the driver is longer than a wedge, the clubhead moves faster throughout the swing, but if it takes two seconds to swing a wedge, it should take the same two seconds to swing the driver. Discover your ideal tempo by making three continuous practice
way is fine, as long as you keep the same tempo for each club in the bag.
swings, without a ball, using a 5-iron. Make the swings in a pendulum
Golfers get into trouble when they either slow down or speed up their
fashion, back and through, while maintaining good balance. Then hit
natural tempo.
a teed golf ball, focusing on repeating the same tempo with a balanced
When your tempo starts varying from club to club, the timing required to hit consistent golf shots is destroyed. That's one reason why
finish. Perform this drill with short irons, long irons and woods as well to see if your tempo—and timing—remain constant.
tahoedonner.com |
21
FEATURE
t
TODD A. RAWLINSON
Wh e r e h e
wi l d
th i ng s are
In Tahoe Donner, things tend to get a little wild. As home to an abundance of wildlife, the Sierra Nevada mountain range provides refuge to a variety of species. There are few communities in California where one can go for a walk and spot a pack of coyote pups in a neighbor’s front yard or hear ruckus on a deck and look out the window to find a pesky bear sniffing around a barbeque.
BY ASHLEY QUADROS
“Wildlife viewing opportunities come in many forms, from backyard to backwoods,” explained Todd A. Rawlinson, wildlife biologist at the Tahoe National Forest Truckee Ranger District. “For me, living around the Tahoe National Forest helps me increase my natural awareness and creates a sense of stewardship for forest habitat and wildlife species using this landscape.” Within this landscape, you never know what you might see. From marmots and raccoons to coyotes, bears and beyond, Tahoe Donner is the place where wildlife is a part of everyday life.
A group of coyote pups spotted in Tahoe Donner. Photo by Darren Davis.
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
BLACK BEAR AWARE Black bears are abundant in Tahoe Donner. Despite their name, they can range in color from blonde to black, but a brown- or cinnamon-colored black bear is the most common. “You see a lot of brindle-colored bears around here,” explained Rawlinson. “A lot of folks think they are seeing actual brown bears but they aren’t.” Black bears are the only species of bear in California, but the California Department of Fish and Wildlife notes there are two types of black bear: the northwestern black bear (Ursus americana altifrontalis) and the California black bear (U. a. californiensis), together accounting for an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 of black bear in California. Of interest, 40 percent of the black bear population is found in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This helps explain why they are spotted just about everywhere in the area—from popular hiking
A brindle-colored black bear was spotted in a member's back yard. Photo courtesy Elaine McDonough.
trails to the greens of Tahoe Donner Golf
lives entwine more often, they can become
Course.
brazen in their quest for food by breaking
“Bear interactions are pretty high in the
into dumpsters, cars and even homes, which
COYOTE PACKS ARE PRESENT Black bears are out there—but coyotes are
area,” said Rawlinson. “Last year, there
is why it is important to make sure garbage
were a lot of incidents along Highway 89.”
too. Have you ever been out hiking and spot-
containers are properly secured, cars are left
Rawlinson noted local campgrounds were a
ted a coyote running across your path? “The
free of food, trash and items that have a scent,
source of frequent bear sightings and to deter
general person coming along is going to see an
and homes are secured without temptations
bear interactions with the public, the Forest
individual coyote alone,” explained Rawlin-
present—such as dirty barbeques or ice chests
Service installed several new bear boxes at
son. “They can hunt in packs or family units
just outside your doors.
in our wilderness setting but not as largely as
campgrounds and provided campground talks
While a black bear can be active at any time,
they would in a national park setting where
to educate the public on the importance of
especially in its quest for food, the National
food storage and safety. As bear and human
they would depend on each other for prey.
Park Service indicated they are most active in
If you see a group, they are likely hunting or teaching others in their group to hunt.”
FUN FACT: Bears often hibernate in large hollow trees up to 60 feet off the ground! Learn more at TahoeWildBears.org. the early morning and late evenings in spring and summer. As omnivores, black bears will occasionally kill small prey such as fawns and they also enjoy bugs, larvae and honey; however, 95 percent of their diet is made of plants, such as vegetation, roots, bulbs, nuts and berries. While enjoying the amenities at Tahoe Donner, you may encounter a bear, and if you do, remain calm, slowly back away, and remember, most bears don’t want to hurt you.
As members of the dog family, their scientific name of Canis latrans means “barking dog.” They range in size from 20 to 50 lbs. and can run up to 40 mph, according to National Geographic. They are natives to western North America and are heavily abundant in the Sierras. Rawlinson noted unlike some animals, coyotes can manage in almost any type of environment. Like bears, they are omnivores and hunt for small prey and in doing so, they benefit the
FUN FACT: The coyote can jump horizontal distances of up to 4 meters! Learn more at NatureMappingFoundation.org.
tahoedonner.com |
23
Red-tailed hawks are actually more brown than red.
The first documented raccoon sighting was by Christopher Columbus.
health of our ecosystem. For example, the bulk of their diet is eating destructive, vegetation-eating rodents, which makes up approximately 80 percent of their food. Rodents, insects and fruits are the coyote’s preferred choices, but a hungry coyote will attack other small prey, such as rabbits, raccoons and even family pets, which is why it is recommended pets remain under supervision when outdoors, preferably on leash.
of their dexterous paws, each with five little fingers, raccoons can pluck fish, frogs and other aquatic creatures from streams and rivers. In fact, the first-ever recorded sighting of a raccoon in history was by Christopher Columbus when he landed in the Caribbean in 1492 and noticed a couple of “pets” near a fisherman’s hut. He referred to them as “perros” (Spanish for "dogs"), and as “perro tejón” or clownlike dog, perhaps in reference to the raccoon’s mask or bandit-like markings on its face. Usually nocturnal, raccoons can be found all across North America and among the trees, trails and streams in Tahoe Donner.
If you’ve ever spotted a bird slowly circling in the skies, chances are you’ve spotted a red-tailed hawk. As a bird of prey, the red-tailed hawk circles in the sky to hunt for rodents and small animals, such as rabbits, reptiles and even large insects. They also hunt by sitting atop telephone poles and treetops, known as a “sit-and-wait” style of hunting, in which the bird remains still and scans the ground for their next meal. Despite their name, the red-tailed hawk isn’t actually very red. They tend to have rich brown feathers on top with lightly colored feathers below, along with streaked bellies and cinnamon-red colored tails. As the second largest hawk in North America after the ferruginous hawk, its wingspan can reach over 50 inches and they can weigh over 3 lbs. The red-tailed hawk is abundant worldwide and lives in a variety of habitats with varying altitudes, including Tahoe Donner. The next time you’re out hiking, bring your binoculars and scan the treetops and
LONG LIVE THE LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT If we follow our raccoon friends down to the river, we’ll find plenty of unique biota in our local waters. According to the Reno Fly Shop,
PHOTO: TOM LIPPERT; PILOT: LAUREL LIPPERT
HIGH IN THE SKY: THE RED-TAILED HAWK
skies—you might just see a red-tailed hawk.
ROAMING RACCOONS The raccoon is slightly more rare to see in Tahoe Donner since it is nocturnal, or most active at night. In addition to being prey to coyotes
Help Us Preserve Tahoe Tranquility
FUN FACT: The red-tailed hawk’s scream is famous. AllAboutBirds.org reports that almost any time a hawk or eagle is depicted on camera for a commercial, movie, etc., it is portrayed with the red-tailed hawk’s signature scream. and hawks, additional risk factors for raccoons include disease, such as rabies or ringworm, or being struck by cars. As such, the raccoon only lives an average of two to three years in the wild. A captive raccoon, however, can live to be 20 years old. Raccoons enjoy mice, insects and, of course, unattended garbage cans left out by visitors, but they are also quite the fishermen. With the use
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
It’s why we come here. It’s why we fly here. It’s why we live here. Let’s work together to keep it this way. Learn what pilots are doing to reduce impacts on local neighbors. Go to www.TruckeeTahoeAirport.com to learn more about your local airport including the Fly Quiet Program.
Connected By More Than A Runway
www.TruckeeTahoeAirport.com
Right: Yellow-bellied marmots can weigh up to 11 lbs. Below: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout is the state fish of Nevada and is on the federally threatened list.
the Truckee River offers the largest population of trout in the lower 48 but one trout in particular is extra special. The Lahontan cutthroat trout was so populous at one point in history that before the river was officially known as the Truckee River, explorer John C. Fremont and frontiersman Kit Carson deemed it “Salmon Trout River,” in 1844, specifically because of the abundance of Lahontan cutthroat trout that ran up the river from Pyramid Lake to spawn. “Their flavor was excellent—superior, in fact, to that of any fish I have ever known,” wrote Fremont in his book, "Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1842; and to the Oregon and North California, in the years 1843, 44." He continued, “They were of extraordinary size… generally from two to four feet in length.” Unfortunately, the life of the Lahontan cutthroat trout was cut short, and due to heavy harvesting for their good taste, among other factors, such as building dams and the introduction of non-native species into local rivers, the Lahontan were nearly extirpated in 1943. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that almost 95 percent of their habitat in California was wiped out; however,
several conservation efforts have been initiated since to restore their population. Today, the Lahontan cutthroat trout is still present in the Truckee River. If you are lucky enough to spot one of these silver and brown-colored beauties, they are listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
cat, weighing anywhere from 6 to 11 lbs. The yellow-bellied marmot is also commonly known as the “rock chuck.” Dr. Daniel T. Blumstein, of University of California Los Angeles, speculates that this name came about because they often make a “chucking” sound, especially when they are scared. In his "Yellow-Bellied Marmot Alarm Calling Factsheet," he notes that marmots use lookouts to watch for predators. If a potential threat is located, the lookout will chirp or chuck loudly in succession to
FUN FACT: The only U.S. holiday named after an animal happens to be a marmot, as Americans celebrate Groundhog Day (which is a type of marmot). alert others, effectively communicating with other marmots to immediately return inside their burrows. Since the yellow-bellied marmot is an herbivore, it enjoys eating a variety of plants and leaves, in addition to snacking on grains, legumes, fruit and insects. As diurnal animals, it is not uncommon to see them out and about in Tahoe Donner during the day. Rawlinson notes marmots are also present at Squaw Valley. “Normally marmots appear at higher altitudes, but a new study out of Nevada shows a group of marmots at low elevations.”
GET WILD If you’d like to see more wildlife in Tahoe Donner and surrounding areas, Rawlinson recommended going out hiking in the early morning or late afternoons, which will produce the best chances for seeing birds, mammals and aquatic species. “Be aware of your surroundings while hiking and enjoying the forest,” he advised. “Bring adequate water, food and proper clothing when hiking in the woods. Knowing your location and letting someone know your itinerary is always advisable. Plan for challenges. Most of all, enjoy your National Forest safely.” With plenty of wildlife in the mix, Tahoe Donner is a truly unique place to live and share with wildlife. Sources: TahoeWildBears.org, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, BlackBearInfo. com, BirdWeb.org, AllAboutBirds.org, National Geographic,, PBS.org, According to Raccoons: A Natural History by Samuel I. Zeveloff, Wikipedia.com, Nature Mapping Foundation.
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MARMOTS ON THE MOVE Back on dry land is the marmot. There are 15 genera of marmots that can be found worldwide. Tahoe Donner is home to the yellow-bellied marmot, which is technically a ground squirrel in the marmot genus. As the name suggests, yellow-bellied marmots have signature yellow bellies, along with grizzled brown fur. Another common trait is a white spot between their eyes with a matching white muzzle. Most are equal in size to a household tahoedonner.com |
25
TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND
PURSUING DREAMS WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE GIVING FUND BY KATIE VENI, GIVING FUND COMMITTEE MEMBER Janet Diaz and son. Photo cour tesy of Jeremy Jensen.
Last month, we introduced you to some of the past Tahoe Donner Giving Fund scholarship recipients. This month, we present our 2017 recipients. The hopes and dreams of two motivated and deserving Truckee high school graduates are coming closer to reality thanks in part to Tahoe Donner Giving Fund scholarships for 2017. JANET DIAZ Teen moms face big challenges, but that doesn’t stop Sierra High graduate Janet Diaz from pursuing her dream. Janet’s son Rafael Ezra was born April 3, the very day her scholarship application was due. Being granted flexibility on the deadline, Janet came through with her inspiring appeal and we were moved.
With our $2,000 scholarship, she’ll be able to attend Sierra College in Truckee and work toward her dream of working as a counselor. “Sierra High is giving me the support and opportunity to take care of my child for the next 3 years for free and I plan on using that time to go to school and get a degree in Psychology or Early Childhood Development. As a teenage mom I have been through a lot and will use my experience to help children or families in my community. I will show my son that you can accomplish your dreams no matter what.” Janet is clearly grateful for the scholarship. “I want to say thank you to the Tahoe Donner Giving Fund for making this possible. The scholarship is a huge help, because I don’t have enough resources to pay totally on my own.”
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
LUIS VALDEZ Truckee High School grad, Luis Valdez has long dreamt of being an auto mechanic and will begin in the Automotive Technology Program at Sierra College in Rocklin this Fall. Life’s challenges haven’t gotten the better of this hopeful Luis Valdez with Katie Veni. Photo courtesy of young man either. His Jeremy Jensen. father abandoned his family when Luis was barely four. His mom worked two jobs to support Luis and his sisters. Luis showed his appreciation by maintaining good grades in school, playing several seasons of football and soccer, and all the while working up to two jobs. His dream of becoming a master mechanic is rooted in experience. “When I was younger and my mom’s car would break down, sometimes I thought the people she took her cars to were not honest. I want to be of help to others so they will be safe on the road and I want to be honest and reliable so anyone who comes to me will know that they can trust me.” Luis is grateful for all the forces that have come together for him. “I give credit to my mom and sisters for the support that they have given me through the years. I also appreciate my current boss, J.R. Thompson, for inspiring me and giving me the opportunity to work in his shop, Hy-Tech Auto.” Tahoe Donner Association Board President Jeff Bonzon said he was excited to learn about this year’s scholarship winners. “They are outstanding choices,” Bonzon said. “Those striving to put themselves in a position to better their lives are the types of students that we should be helping—young people whose lives can truly be changed by even our small level of support.”
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Tahoe Donner
RE/MAX Mountain Living
THE GIVING FUND IS ABLE TO OFFER THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ANNUALLY THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OUR TAHOE DONNER NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS WHO MAKE CHARITABLE GIFTS TO THE TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND. HAVE YOU MADE YOUR GIFT YET? WWW.TAHOEDONNNER.COM/GIVING-FUND
The Tahoe Donner Giving Fund is chartered by the Tahoe Donner board of directors and administered through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. All contributions are voluntary, tax deductible gifts from Tahoe Donner members and friends. For more information, or to make a contribution: tahoedonner.com/giving-fund or tdgf@tahoedonner.com.
RE/MAX Mountain Living is located in the heart of Tahoe Donner to serve buyers and sellers. I live and play everyday in Tahoe Donner. Let me list your home or lot!! Call today for a complimentary market analysis. Michele Smith Realtor® (530) 414-1352 (Mobile) BRE#02009600
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tahoedonner.com |
27
BULLETIN BOARD
SOCCER GOLF RETURNS TO TAHOE DONNER
A soccer golf course? Yes, it's a real thing.
Our version of soccer golf will be held on
golf, and you'll use golf’s basic model including
The new sport, which fuses the games of golf
a nine-“hole” course on the driving range.
teeing off, greens, and 9 holes of play. Please, no
and soccer, called FootGolf, is increasingly
No clubs needed, but don’t forget your soccer
soccer cleats. Come on out to play a few rounds!
popular on an international level, after being
balls. The goal is to get a soccer ball into the
DATE & TIME: JULY 6 FROM 4–7 P.M.
founded in 2009 by a Dutch soccer player.
"cup" (in our version, the net) using the fewest
COST: $10 ADULTS, $8 KIDS.
Now, it is quickly becoming a new phenome-
kicks possible.
TO SIGN UP, CALL THE PRO SHOP AT 530-587-9443 (SELECT "3").
non across the United States.
The rules largely correspond to the rules of
JOHN BIEBL & ANNA MCGEE • CB’s #1 Sac/Tahoe small team • Tahoe Donner experts • 80 + properties sold last year • 5 star Zillow reviews
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©2017 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company and Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker has not and will not verify this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Licensees affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of NRT LLC., Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE License #01908304.
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
ASSOCIATION NEWS
TROUT CREEK RECREATION CENTER: RENOVATION AND EXPANSION In response to member requests, and after several years planning, Trout Creek Recreation Center, our most-used amenity, will undergo a renovation and expansion starting this fall. Discussion among Tahoe Donner management, staff, and General Planning Committee (GPC) members, plus comments and feedback from the member forum held last January were taken into account. Plans have been formulated with the objective to meet the growing needs and expectations of our members and their guests and to alleviate overcrowding. In addition, safety and comfort were considered, as well as the frequently requested need for increased usable space for stretching and classes.
RENOVATION AND EXPANSION FAQ SECTION 1: PROJECT OVERVIEW Why does the Trout Creek Recreation Center require renovation and expansion? Members have told us that the current facility suffers from three main deficiencies. First, the facility has become overcrowded, compromising comfort and safety. Second, there is no satisfactory space for stretching, calisthenics, and other warm-up activities. Third, the facility does not adequately accommodate changed fitness needs, including the growing interest in spin classes and barbell training. The renovation will alleviate these problems by improving the facility’s flexibility, efficiency, and safety. The project also include a new multi-purpose room, providing Kids Club child care with a family-friendly, poolside location. Finally, the plan revamps the entrance to increase weather protection and create a new reception area.
SECTION 2: PLANNING & DESIGN PROCESS What planning and design process led to this proposal?
Responding to staff reports of overcrowding and member complaints about a lack of space, the GPC began to develop a plan to expand the facility in 2009. When the original concept proved both costly and impractical, the project was shelved. When new information suggested the possibility of a more cost effective approach, the GPC formed a member-led task force to reopen the matter in July 2016. This task force, which includes a number of Trout Creek regulars who know the facility’s needs firsthand, is composed of Tahoe Donner members who volunteered their time, Trout Creek’s management, and staff from the capital projects team. With approval from the board, the GPC enlisted the services of an architect to assist with a feasibility study. This study was previewed in the December Tahoe Donner News, presented for member comment at a town hall forum in January, and then presented again in the February issue of Tahoe Donner News. Incorporating member feedback, the task force refined the plan in the spring. How much will this project cost? The total cost of the renovation is expected to be approximately $1.3 million, a sum that includes roughly $280,000 in legally required Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades. Existing capital in the Replacement Reserve Fund and the Development Fund can pay for the renovation. Because money for this project has already been saved and budgeted, no special assessment is necessary. Why is an open floor plan the best solution to address the gym’s needs? To minimize costs, the task force decided that the renovation should not expand the facility beyond its current footprint. By eliminating internal walls, the open floor plan maximizes usable square footage and provides the flexibility needed to arrange gym equipment in the most space efficient manner possible.
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29
SECTION 3: CONSTRUCTION PROCESS When will construction begin and how long will it last? Construction will take place in two phases. The pool-side renovations (including the lobby) will be completed in the first phase, with the gym-side renovations following in the second. Preliminary estimates suggest that the first phase may take as long as six months to complete, and the second phase may require up to nine months. We do not yet know if there will be a pause between phases. With board approval, construction could begin as early as this fall. Will cardio and weight training facilities be available throughout construction? Yes. The existing cardio and weight rooms will be unaffected by the first phase of construction. During the second phase, cardio and weight training equipment will be moved to the pool-side fitness classroom, the new multi-purpose room, and the new spin room. While it is unlikely that we can fit all of the existing equipment in those spaces, and while we can expect inconveniences, the staff will do everything possible to provide the resources members need to continue effective exercise routines. This includes providing free, on-site trainers to help members adapt their routines to the available equipment. Will fitness classes continue to be offered during the construction process? Yes. Fitness classes will be unaffected by the first phase of construction. In the second phase, most classes will move to alternate locations in Tahoe Donner. Will we be able to use the pools, hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms during construction? Yes. We will work with our contractor to preserve continuous access to these facilities. Will Kids Club childcare be available throughout construction? While expected to continue in the first phase, the status of Kids Club in the second phase cannot yet be determined. Will massage services remain available? Yes. Massage will remain available during construction.
SECTION 4: THE NEW TROUT CREEK EXPERIENCE How will the renovation expand my fitness options and improve my workout experience? Cardio enthusiasts will enjoy a more space,
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| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
The construction will be performed in two phases to minimize disruption to the member experience. Larger versions of the floorplan can be seen in the Trout Creek Recreation Center foyer or online at www.tahoedonner.com/consider-lower-cost-remodel-options-at-trout-creek-recreation-center/
additional equipment, and window views, as we expect to place as much cardio equipment as possible at the front of the room. Strength trainers can look forward to a safer, enlarged training area outfitted with new machines, multiple squat racks, lifting platforms, and bumper plates. With the spin equipment moved to a new, dedicated space, the pool-side fitness classroom will gain usable area. And, of course, you will now have the open space you need for stretching, plyometrics, and other warm-up activities. Will we keep the existing equipment, or upgrade with new equipment? With the exception of individual machines nearing the end of their service lives, we anticipate keeping the current cardio equipment, while adding to their quantities as space permits and demand requires. Most of the current strength training machines and racks are at the end of their service lives. We are delaying those purchases to coincide with this renovation so we can select equipment specifically suited to the new space. What steps are being taken to mitigate noise in the open floor plan? Without walls to contain the whir of the treadmills or the clang of the weights, the ambient noise in the gym will almost certainly increase. We will, however, take steps to mitigate that noise. First, we will work with our architect to incorporate sound dampening materials wherever possible. Second, while we do not yet know the precise arrangement of equipment or exercise zones, we expect to concentrate the noisier strength training equipment at the furthest end of the facility. Third, while there is little we can do to reduce the clank of the weight stacks on strength machines and pulley systems, we will select
barbell racks designed to reduce metal on metal contact, and outfit the free weight area with bumper-plates, and lifting platforms. By taking these steps we aim to create an inviting, energetic, and inspiring atmosphere that encourages all members to be their physical best. How can the multi-purpose room be used when Kids Club is not in session? The multi-purpose room will be an enclosed, sound-insulated space available to members for meetings or activities. The sound insulation will also provide a quieter experience for massage across the hall. Finally, the multi-purpose room will likely house the ping-pong table.
SECTION 5: MOVING FORWARD As we prepare for the next stage of the design process, which the board recently voted to fund, we are eager to hear your thoughts and questions. To make your voice heard, please email the GPC at gpc@tahoedonner.com, leave a comment card at the Trout Creek front desk, or attend our member forum later this summer.
BOARD MEETING RECAP MAY 20, 2017
that the General Plan Committee analyze this proposal along with the Finance Committee as part of the already established Capital Projects Planning process. VII. Governing Documents Update: No Action The board of directors reviewed and discuss with Lisa Black, senior counsel at Berding and Weil, a draft of the updated Tahoe Donner
I. Social Media Update: No Action
governing documents. As this is the beginning of the review process, a
Derek Moore, interactive communications manager, presented to
member workshop will be hosted to go into further detail about what
the board and to the membership a summary of comments and activi-
changes have been made thus far, and to receive membership feedback
ties across all Tahoe Donner social media platforms and on Next Door
regarding such changes before seeking membership approval in 2018.
as an additional way to stay abreast of emerging issues among the
VIII. Special Event Tent at the Lodge Restaurant & Pub: No Action
membership. The most common topics this month were: • 2017 Director Election • Insect/weed spray dangers • Event tent at the Lodge
The board of directors were updated by Mike Peters, director of food and beverage, on the status of obtaining member feedback on replacement options being considered for the special event structure at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. IX. Architectural Standards LAMA Software Update: No Action Robb Etnyre, general manager, presented to the board of directors
• Communication transparency
an update of the progress that is being made during the transition to
• Speeding in Tahoe Donner
LAMA Software. So far, the transition has been very smooth and staff
• Kayak storage at the Tahoe Donner marina • Checking gas lines at member homes II. Approval of Minutes: Approved 4 – 0 The board approved the April 22, 2017 special meeting minutes. III. Consent Calendar: Approved 5 – 0 The board approved the following items – • Finance Committee – New alternate member – Marty Anderson • Decision Paper – Miscellaneous asphalt repairs • Decision Paper – Improvements to the Day Camp building at the Beach Club Marina
is excited to share this new software with the membership. Expected launch of this software and online permitting platform has been planned for Monday, May 22, 2017. X. Association Master Plan Update: No Action The General Plan Committee discussed with the board of directors a final draft of the association master plan that should be ready for approval at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on June 23, 2017. XI. Association Communication: No Action The board of directors reviewed and discussed their current methods used to engage the membership.
HOMES ON THE RISE
IV. Compensation Study Update – Phase II: No Action The board of directors provided a brief update of the Romanoff Consulting Compensation Study meeting on May 13, 2017, which solicited membership feedback on developing criteria for comparable organizations to Tahoe Donner. The board decided not to approve pricing for Phase II of the study, but work with Romanoff Consulting to review existing relevant compensation reports available in the marketplace. V. Director of Finance and Accounting Report: Approved 5 – 0 The board approved the 2017 April Financials presented by Lilian Stahlhofer. VI. Tahoe Donner Seasonal Housing Update: No Action Robb Etnyre, general manager, will discuss with the board of directors regional housing council status, along with updates in regards to staff’s proposed recommendation to the shortage of housing for Tahoe Donner seasonal employees. By consensus the board of directors asked
The Architectural Standards Committee reviewed the following plans during May 2017. Unit/Lot 07/055 02/266 10/339 11/144 11/501 06/045 05/387 02/387 05/005 05/066 10/024 08/340
Street Address 13269 Hillside Dr 11768 Chamonix Rd 12262 Muhlebach Wy 11512 Chalet Rd 13717 Edelweiss Pl 14235 Alder Creek Rd 13672 Copenhagen Dr 13779 Northwoods Bl 10824 Skislope Wy 11952 Skislope Wy 11950 Oslo Dr 11894 Mougle Ln
Square Feet 2704 2769 2453 2833 2568 2311 1902 2058 2782 3523 2569 2099
Project House House House House House House House House House House House House
Interested in watching the board meetings, but can't make it to the Clubhouse? We now feature a live stream of board meetings—plus an archive of recent board meetings— on our website at www.tahoedonner.com/governance/meeting-documents tahoedonner.com | 31
SHEDIAC, NEW BRUNSWICK
Ron and Marilyn Modafferi toured
in eastern Canada, with a stop in
capitol of the world."
Quebec and the Maritime Prov ince
Shediac, New Brunsw ick—the "lob
s
ster
MALMÖ, SWEDEN n Julie, Bella and Ma rcus Tallham a family wedding.
attending
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA GeorPhyllis and Derek Gilchrist on a trip to sta, gia, where they visited Sava nah and Augu ent nam Tour Golf which is where the Master's is played.
ROME, ITALKeYrry Schwartzman outside , and Eric, Ryan, Drew in August 2015. of the Colosseum
Email your “Where in the World” photos to: comdep@tahoedonner.com. Please submit only .jpeg files of 300 dpi or higher for printing. Photos must include a copy of TD News. Please list the names of everyone in the picture, where and when it was taken, and a short description of your captured experience. Note: please be patient; it could take up to six months to see your photo published due to a large number of submissions.
32
| Tahoe Donner News | July 2017
NEW TO MARKET
13390n orthwoods B lvd.coM Here’s a stunning and spacious chalet nestled on the 8th fairway! Enjoy the great room with integrated living, dining and chef’s kitchen. Perfect for families, the downstairs master offers a private retreat with sauna! Walk to Trout Creek Rec Center amenities! Listed for $845,000
NEW TO MARKET
11422M ougle l ane .coM Impressive chalet offering great room style living, located in a prestigious lower elevation. This retreat offers three spacious bedrooms, loft and BIG downstairs family room plus full bath and gas fireplace, perfect for extra guests! Delightful, easy living. Listed for $985,000
NEW TO MARKET
12442s aint B ernard d rive .coM Delightful chalet located in lower Tahoe Donner, with private setting. You’ll love the master suite plus two bedrooms upstairs, family room with fourth bedroom/den, full bath and laundry downstairs. Spacious lower deck, spa, private forest setting and flat driveway. Listed for $745,000
ELDER GROUP TAHOE
We have worked with Alison both as Buyers and Sellers. Alison is a true professional when it comes to negotiation, and she has established credibility with other agents who happily bring their clients. Alison and her team are very organized providing her clients with a timeline of their transaction – this is so helpful. Now when it comes to marketing your home, Alison is beyond compare. Our home sold very quickly, and we could not be happier. You can’t go wrong with Alison Elder. – Buddy Tucker & Dr. Julie Conyers, Sellers June, 2017
Alison Elder
Real Estate Advisor, Par tner 530.582.8103 tahoe@alisonelder.com eldergrouptahoerealestate.com alisonelder.evusa.com
PARK CITY | LAKE TAHOE | NEWPORT BEACH | SAN FRANCISCO | LAGUNA BEACH | LONG BEACH | ST. GEORGE ©2017 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principals of the Fair Housing Act. If your property is currently represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing. CA BRE License #01399851
There’s magic in the air!
Yes, there’s magic in the mountains. Time for celebrations, be it birthdays (our country’s 241st!), anniversaries, family gatherings, you name it. We hope you’re celebrating living in this wonderland called Tahoe Donner. If you’re not lucky enough to be a homeowner here but maybe something that you’re considering, call one of our expert professionals here at Dickson. We work, live and play here, and we’d be happy to share all that Tahoe Donner, or any of our surrounding communities in the Truckee-Tahoe area, has to offer. We’re here to be of service, and it will be extraordinary! 11836 Donner Pass Road, Truckee 15947 South Shore Drive, Truckee 289 Commercial St., Portola